On Thursday night we added two St. Louis area prospects to the list of visitors for this past weekends junior day. Robert Standard and Christian Suntrup are teammates at Chaminade high and both made the trip to Lawrence to check out the Jayhawks. On Sunday RCT spoke with both teammates about their visit, how recruiting is shaping up early and their thoughts on Kansas.
With Suntrup it's pretty clear that Kansas is going to be in a battle with some big name schools for his services and it's interesting to see how early Kansas was actually involved. On the topic of Standard, I stand corrected as last week in one of the threads on here I thought with his speed he might be looked at more as a corner. After talking with Robert it does appear Kansas is looking at him as a running back and that could be the reason he's still waiting on an offer. With that said, let's move on to the interviews.
Other Junior Day Coverage:
Denver
Christian, thanks for talking with us for a few minutes, to start things off I understand you have a Kansas offer. Give us a little background on who's heading up your recruitment and how the offer came about with Kansas?
Christian
I actually received a scholarship midway through my junior season from Kansas' old staff and the new staff is interested also.
I have been talking with many schools such as KU, Nebraska, Stanford, Illinois, Notre Dame, Northwestern, Vanderbilt a bit, Iowa, Wisconsin, OU somewhat and Tennessee
Denver
So what were you looking to come away with on this particular visit to Kansas? and what are your thoughts on the new staff?
Christian
This was my first trip to the University of Kansas so I came away with a good feel for the school and new staff. I really liked all the facilities. I got a chance to attend the KU basketball game which was unreal.
I really enjoyed spending time with the new staff. Coach Long and I got to talk alot and I got to spend some time with Coach Gill. Overall, I was really impressed with my trip to KU.
Denver
What is your plan as far as recruiting? Schools you are most interested in? and any sort of timeline at this point for when you'd like to make a decision?
Christian
I am thinking of making my decision some time before the senior season. I think that would be the best time to make a decision.
At this point I am really interested in all the schools I named earlier and want to stay open through the whole process to them.
Denver
Talk about your strengths as a player, what type of offense you see yourself in and did Coach Long talk at all with you about how you would fit in the Jayhawks system?
Christian
I think I am a player who has an accurate arm, good footwork, and throws well on the run. I also feel I am a good leader.
Coach Long talked to me about how they are going to be running both shotgun and under center type formations. Which fits my style of play well.
Denver
What are some of the top things you are looking for in a school and program for your college playing days?
Christian
I want to feel comfortable at the University. I think the facilitates, the coaching staff, and people at the school are important as well. I think bottom line a place I can call home is going to be the best fit for me.
Denver
Do you anticipate going to any camps this summer?
Christian
I will be attending quite a few but the ones I know for sure are the Elite 11 and the Nike training camp
with college's camps I'm going see how everything plays out.
Denver
Do you see Kansas playing a factor throughout the process based on what you saw this weekend?
Christian
Yes. I really liked Kansas, I felt comfortable with the coaches and I really enjoyed the trip there.
Denver
Sounds great, well thank you for your time, keep us posted on any developments with Kansas and best of luck to you.
Christian
Thank you
Denver
Robert thanks for your time could you start by walking us through you visit? What you guys did? who you met with? what you enjoyed the most and your overall thoughts on Kansas?
Rob
When I first came in, they gave us questionnaires to fill in. Then we went to the film room and looked at KU highlights. After that, they took us on a tour around the athletic faculties then a tour around the education facilities. After that we ate some great food, and went to the basketball game.
I talked to the head coach Turner Gill, and Reggie Mitchell who is my recruiting coach. I enjoyed everything at KU. I was very impressed. It seems like a great school to attend.
Denver
What are the next steps for you in terms of your recruitment both with Kansas and with other schools?
Rob
I will be taking a few more visits. And I'm going to get my highlight tape for this year out to other schools. After that, if they ask me to attend a camp so they can see more of me, I will.
I will mainly be going to school camps who are looking to offer me.
Denver
Did you get an offer from Kansas?
Rob
No, but Coach Mitchell told me he is going to take a look at my tape on and then get back to me.
Denver
Did you get an idea what position Kansas might being looking at you for?
Rob
Running back
Denver
What are you looking for in a school and who would you say your top 3 schools right now are?
Rob
I'm looking for a school I can be comfortable in. A school with a good atmosphere, good academic program, and people who I can count on to be up front with me. People who will tell me what I need to work on as a student and football player.
I'm looking for a school that would make me strive for being the best person I can be.
Denver
If there was one take away, one thing that really stood out about Kansas, what would that be in your mind?
Rob
Their therapy rooms and the injury training facilities. They are a separate organization so they have materials that most other schools don't have.
Denver
Nice, and you think Kansas will definitely be a school you hope to put some strong consideration into?
Rob
Yes.
Denver
Did you say who your top three were?
Rob
Actually I'd rather keep that to myself for right now, but Kansas is one of the schools I am seriously looking at.
Denver
Fair enough.
Well thanks for your time and keep us posted if you get an offer or hear more from Coach Mitchell.
Rob
Will do...thanks and I'll talk to you later.